Sr. Automation Controls Engineer

Location: Central

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.

Sr. Automation Controls Engineer About This Role Blue Origin's Factory Automation team is part of the Advanced Manufacturing organization within Operations — serving as the in-house automation integrator responsible for designing, building, and deploying the custom equipment and systems that enable scalable, repeatable production across Blue Origin's manufacturing business units. We build manufacturing capability from the ground up — developing automated solutions that directly drive the delivery of Blue Origin's products across current and future programs.

We are looking for an experienced Automation Controls Engineer who brings deep hands-on expertise in industrial controls design and automation systems integration — someone who thrives in a build-it-and-commission-it environment, moves with urgency, and takes full technical ownership from concept through production ramp-up. This role goes beyond pure controls engineering: you will drive projects end-to-end, navigating R&D, design, build, installation, and commissioning while coordinating across a broad range of stakeholders and disciplines.

You will define control system architectures, set technical standards, and deliver solutions that work in the real world — including challenging product design teams to design for automated manufacturing when requirements complicate scalable automation. A passion for our mission — and for the discipline of building systems that work — is essential.

Responsibilities:

Collaborate with applications engineers in the development of conceptual automated manufacturing equipment, providing controls architecture input and feedback from concept through detailed design

Design control system architectures including network topology, I/O distribution, safety systems, and communication protocols

Lead industrial controls and electrical design of bespoke automation systems

Develop offline simulations of automated systems — ranging from discrete work cells to fully automated product lines — to validate control logic, robot paths, cycle times, and system behavior from concept through final design, including pre-programming and virtual commissioning prior to hardware availability

Transition from offline development to online debugging and commissioning of PLC, HMI, robot, and similar industrial controls programs from scratch

Integrate auxiliary equipment, machines, and tools into unified control systems

Work with panel fabricators and field installation teams; provide technical support during system integration and commissioning

Lead factory and site acceptance testing

Lead the build, installation, commissioning, and start-up of automated manufacturing systems

Create and deliver controls documentation packages including sequence of operations, I/O lists, network diagrams, and program documentation

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Controls, or related engineering field

Minimum 6 years of hands-on experience developing and integrating industrial controls and automation systems from scratch — including PLC and HMI programming as core competencies, control system architecture design (network topology, I/O distribution, safety systems, multi-platform communication protocols), and broad exposure to industrial automation platforms such as robots, material handling systems (gantries, AGVs, conveyors), CNC machine integration, NDT, assembly, testing, and process tools (torque, welding, grinding, or similar)
Demonstrated ability to…